Job Purpose

To provide professional technical support for research and teaching in the College of Science and Engineering operating within the Technical Services Division. To provide a range of mechanical skills and experience that can be applied in world class research projects and postgraduate and undergraduate teaching activities. To participate in delivering basic practical skills labs and workshops in undergraduate teaching lab spaces.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.     To programme and set up a wide range of CNC and conventional machine tools to produce high-quality components used in groundbreaking scientific research.

2.     Manufacture components and equipment to a high standard of finish and accuracy within defined timescales.

3.     Set up experimental apparatus and test component parts manufactured in the workshop under operational conditions. (Training will be given on equipment).

4.     Competent in Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) programming routines for component manufacture on CNC milling machines and lathes.

5.     Assist in the preparation of undergraduate teaching labs and provide technical advice and guidance for students and staff on appropriate use of equipment as required. Deliver verbal instruction to students of assigned Engineering Application labs on basic engineering skills. (Training will be given to deliver of verbal instruction).

6.     Supervise junior staff as appropriate and engage with training of apprentices, other staff and students in line with a school objective to encourage skills transfer and personal development.

7.     To assist undergraduate and postgraduate students, and research assistants with design and construction of research projects providing practical advice on equipment, materials and methodology as required.

8.     Monitor standards and technical developments in expertise discipline and continue to expand skill base and keep up with new technologies in the field.

9.     To maintain workshop consumables stocks and ensure the latest engineering tooling.

10.   To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by Technical Service Management.

11.   Work collaboratively with others, including within the wider College/Institute/School and where relevant with external contacts, to enhance the delivery of the research aims and support the broader strategic aims of the University. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/ discussions and contribute to the wider College/School/Group activities as required, including the Technician Commitment key themes, https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/technicians/.

Knowledge, Qualifications Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essentials:

A1     Either: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 (Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role

A2     Excellent knowledge of mechanical fundamental principles and materials

A3     Excellent knowledge of using workshop machines tools and workshop practice

A4     Excellent knowledge of standard mechanical engineering manufacturing techniques

A5     Excellent understanding of relevant health and safety policies and procedures

Desirable:

B1     Good knowledge of metal joining techniques (welding, brazing, soldering)

B2     Good knowledge of surface grinding and certified in handling abrasive wheels

B3     Familiar with and able to use CAD packages such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc. (training will be given if required)

Skills

Essential:

C1    Highly competent in using the full range of workshop machine tools including manual and CNC Machine tools

C2    Accomplished in the use mechanical and measuring equipment

C3    Able to work from technical drawings/sketches and verbal instructions and interpret the requirements of customers with limited competence in the mechanical field

C4    Able to set up mechanical apparatus/equipment and advise others on correct use

C5    Able to plan and organise assigned projects and/or work programmes

C6    Highly developed technical fault finding and problem-solving skills

C7    High level of communication skills in a technical environment

C8    Accomplished in programming and operating CNC milling machines and/or lathes.

Desirable:

D1    Competent in metal joining techniques (welding, brazing, soldering)

D2    Excellent skills in surface grinding and finishing techniques

Experience

Essential:

E1     Must be able to demonstrate relevant competencies as required for this level of technical post that would complement both the needs of the workshop and School

E2     Experience of manufacturing components/apparatus to a high level of precision using a full range of workshop machine tools

E3     Experience of working independently under the direction of a manager

E4     Experience of planning and scheduling work and managing time efficiently

E5     Experience of health and safety protocols applicable in mechanical engineering environment

E6     Experience of developing and refining designs from limited or incomplete information

Desirable:

F1     Experience of verbal delivery to students/apprentices. If not, then training will be given to attain ‘Training for Trainers’ certificate

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours p/w) and open ended. Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

Closing date: 13 October 2026

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. Candidates must therefore have an existing right to work in the UK or be able to secure this independently prior to commencing employment. For further information on alternative immigration options, please visit University of Glasgow’s UKVI Website.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.